Julie Walters to be honoured at British Independent Film Awards

JULIE Walters is to be honoured at this year’s Moet British Independent Film Awards.

The one-time Harry Potter star will receive the Richard Harris award at this Sunday’s ceremony in central London.

Introduced in 2002 in honour of Harris following his death in October that year, the accolade recognises outstanding contribution to British film by an actor.

Walters began her career in TV working with comedian Victoria Wood.

But she was nominated for an Oscar for her breakthrough big screen role in 1983’s Educating Rita and was shortlisted again in 2001 for Billy Elliot.

In that same year, she was cast as Molly Weasley in the first Harry Potter film, a role she played throughout the eight film franchise.

Walters’ other film appearances include Calendar GirlsMamma Mia! and the recent Paul Potts film One Chance.

She will shortly be seen playing the role of Nan in The Harry Hill Movie, which is due out later this month, and housekeeper Mrs Bird in next year’s live-action Paddington film, which also features the voice of Colin Firth.

This year’s British Independent Film Awards will be hosted by actor James Nesbitt and take place at Old Billingsgate on Sunday, December 8.

It has already been announced that Captain Phillips director Paul Greengrass will receive the Variety Award for helping “focus the international spotlight on the UK”.